Venice, Italy Day 1

Venice was one of the highlights of our trip. We love Italy. If you have been thinking about going to Venice, don't put it off, go now! We were met at the airport by a water taxi. We did a shared water taxi with one other couple and it cut the cost in half. The water taxi took us directly to our hotel. I totally recommend this. We used a company called Venice Link. It was also so fun and you felt like such a jetsetter cruisin' in the speed boat.

As we entered the grand canal. Our hotel was only a short stop away. They delievered us to the hotel's dock. One of the hotel guests said they took the vaporetto from the airport to the stop by our hotel and it took him two hours to find the hotel that was only a 5 minute walk away. It was 10pm so there wasn't anyone to ask directions.

This was a beautiful street near our hotel where we ate lunch twice (best pizza I ever had).



This was the view from our little balcony in front of our hotel. Across the canal is the Ca d'Oro Palace.

This is the little restaurant where we had the best pizza ever!

In front of the Rialto Bridge. This was a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Lots of shopping and restaurants and an open air market where we were able to get some fresh COLD fruit.

We took a gondola ride just about sunset. It was so beautiful and calm. It is worth every Euro. You have to do this in Venice, so don't cheap out! Set aside the money just for it.

We loved it! I would go again in a minute!

Monserrat - Outdoor Wednesday

Please join our hostess, Susan, at A Southern Daydreamer for more outdoor fun!
One day we took a morning tour of a monastery called Monserrat. It is up in the mountains and we drove up a very TINY road with big drops and no shoulder or guard rails in a very BIG bus.
The setting was beautiful and serene. The monastery was originally built in 1038, but Napolean destroyed it and it was rebuilt in the 1800s. We didn't see any Monks, much to the girls disappointment. I have no pictures of the church as they were not allowed. (This seems to be the norm in Spain).
It was a very scenic spot and on one side was the monastery and on the other side was a wilderness area where you could hike around and find quiet spots to enjoy the breeze and scenery.

The founder of the monastery.

The girls called this their "Honeymoon" picture! What is a Spain post without Gore girl antics?

Enjoying the view and the cool breeze.

Rambling down Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a main street to walk down in Barcelona. The "Old Town" surrounds it and it is where the street performers gather to show their talents. It ends at the port. One night after dinner we decided to ramble down Las Ramblas.
There is a main walking sidewalk down the middle of the street. There is one lane of car traffic on each side and then more sidewalk. Trees line the middle section and a cool breeze blows. You have to be aware of pickpockets here.

The street begins at Placa Catalunya. It is a huge square with beautiful fountains.

Off the main street of Las Ramblas are many little alleyways to shop and are full of restaurants and hotels.
Following are some of the favorite street performers. We could not decide if this was a woman or a man.

Everyone loved the Gargoyles

The famous market, full of fruit, vegetables, and meat.

This was everyones favorite performer. He acted like he was being blown by the wind and was trying to walk against it.

Look at this guy!

There was a lot of beautiful buildings everywhere.

Of course, these guys pulled the biggest crowd and they were sooooo good. I couldn't believe the way they threw themselves down on the stones.

I hope you enjoyed your ramble down Las Ramblas

Casa Batllo - Gaudi Apartment Building

This is the Casa Batllo designed and built by Gaudi. It is so cool at night. We went to the magic fountains and when we popped out of the metro station, we were here! We came back to see the inside a couple of days later.
This building looks like something out of 20,000 leagues under the sea. Could this be were the movie makers got their inspiration? The balconies are so dramatic.

It is hard to see in the photo, but it is very colorful on the facade of the building between the balconies.

This was the living room on the first floor.

Another picture of the living room. Check out that light fixture!

This is the inner courtyard of the building. It went all the way up and was open to the sky. This let light in throughout the building and rooms.
It was tiled in beautiful blue and white. It was lighter at the bottom and got darker towards the top.

Inside passage ways. They reminded me of being in a submarine.

No comment needed!

On the roof were these beautiful mosaic chimneys.

This cross was on the roof near the front of the building. So beautiful.

The front of the building had this spine that went all the way across it.

In the backyard terrace. A lot of mosaic designs.

Need I say more?